On Thursday 8 August 2024, the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) announced that it is preparing a vaccination campaign against bluetongue disease.
ALVA noted that the reference laboratory confirmed the detection of bluetongue disease serotype 3 on Friday 2 August 2024 and is now preparing the deployment of a vaccination campaign.
Currently 39 animals (25 cattle, thirteen sheep and one goat) across 28 farms have tested positive for the virus. A wave of infections is also expected in Luxembourg given the epidemiological situation in neighbouring countries, namely Belgium and Germany, and the summer heat which favours the spread of vector insects.
ALVA explained that bluetongue is a non-contagious, vector-borne viral disease of ruminants (mainly cattle and sheep, but also goats, camelids and wild ruminants). It is transmitted by midges (diptera of the genus Culicoides, Ceratopogonidae family).
In infected ruminants, the classic symptoms are fever, lameness, lack of appetite, excessive salivation, swelling and a blue tongue. Sheep appear to be more susceptible to infection with serotype 3 than cattle and quite high mortality and morbidity rates have already been reported. In the Netherlands, analyses have shown mortality rates among sick sheep of 50 to 75%.
ALVA assured that bluetongue has no impact on public health. It is not transmissible to humans and the consumption of milk and meat does not pose any danger.
In order to protect cattle and sheep farms, ALVA is expecting this week the "imminent" delivery of the BTV3 vaccine that had been ordered several weeks ago, when the emergency assessment procedure was finalised by Luxembourg's Ministry of Health. ALVA added that it would inform veterinarians "as soon as the vaccine is available".
ALVA recalled that vaccination is voluntary, but recommended. The costs of the vaccine are borne by the State while the vaccination costs are borne by the animal owner.
The administration added that vaccination reduces viraemia and protects against mortality, but does not completely protect against all clinical signs. Consequently, vaccinated animals may still show clinical signs. Given these elements and due to the lack of data on vaccines, no bovine or ovine animals can currently be certified for movement to other Member States on the basis of vaccination.
Due to the analysis result by the reference laboratory, Luxembourg has lost its bluetongue-free status and is considered a regulated zone. Consequently, restrictions on the export of susceptible animals (bovine, ovine, caprine, camelid, deer) to countries or zones free of this virus have been in force since 2 August 2024. However, certain intra-community movements (in Europe) remain possible based on exceptions granted by the Member States of destination.
ALVA also recalled that, since bluetongue is a notifiable disease, anyone who observes clinical signs indicative of this disease must call a veterinarian.
